As someone who is always open to new experiences, I attended Art League Houston's MARTY. It was a bit of a time warp especially when I witnessed vinyl records being played. The peace punch was more than peaceful; it was quite powerful.

Sunday, April 26, 2015

Sometimes you need a 2" x 4" to hit you on the side of the head to remind you how good you really have it. I go through periods of my life sucks but in reality it really doesn't. I do have this fear that something will happen to The Calvinator and I'm not sure how I'm going to deal with it. I won't be the first or the last to lose a furry companion. Plus, there are health issues with my mom. She has great set of people in Fort Worth who look after her and help her.

This morning, the woe is me came to a stop when I watched this story about two women who were orphans in South Vietnam and were airlifted to the U.S. It was on CBS Sunday Morning. It documents their trips back to Vietnam and trying to find their mothers. I'll give you a heads up...both stories have very different endings.

However, before I tuned in to CBS Sunday Morning, I was on Facebook and found out that I guy I know lost his wife on Friday. She gave birth to a daughter and then died. Details were not forthcoming. I cannot EVEN imagine what he is going through and what her family is going through. It sounds like a joyous and tragic moment at the same time.

My heart goes out to O.J.

So, I'll put my life in perspective and be thankful for what I have. I really do have a good life.

Saturday, April 25, 2015

Every now and then I have one of those days or evenings that will never be replicated. It's a combination of certain elements that create my perfect storm. Don't ask me what those elements are because they're never same. And please note, my perfect storms are usually positive experiences. This past Wednesday night was a perfect storm; a positive one.

Wednesday evening was a VIP Reception/ticketed event for Rodrigue: Houston. It was great to see so many people supporting this exhibit. It was the perfect evening made up of supporters of the arts, champagne and wine, delicious lite bites from Ruth's Chris Steakhouse, and stunning repartee. Looking back, it was Part II of the evening in September when it was announced that the exhibit would be coming to Houston.

Don Sanders has the largest collection of Rodrigue's work. He has been generous enough to loan some the pieces for the exhibit. And speaking of September, I forgot that we were told we would be listed as a sponsor, so you can see my name on the wall until July 5, 2015. It's a first for me and I'm very appreciative.

The exhibit officially opens today and runs through July 5. It is located in West Ave. (2800 Kirby, Houston, TX 77098 - Kirby @ Westheimer). The exhibit is on the 2nd floor BUT look downstairs and you can see some larger pieces which includes two cows and a fish. Cost of admission is complimentary but I'm sure the foundation will gladly accept donations. And, there are books and art for sale.

Thursday, April 23, 2015

On Tuesday, I had the opportunity and pleasure of having a private tour of Rodrigue: Houston. The tour was led by Jacques Rodrigue, son of George Rodrigue. There were a handful of us who given insight and background stories of George's paintings.

In case you don't know, I am a big fan of George's Blue Dog. However, I never really understood some of his earlier paintings but I walked away on Tuesday with a great appreciation of his early work. It's the personal stories from Jacques that made the difference.

Houston is very fortunate to have this exhibit. Don Sanders is the largest collector of Rodrigue's work and he has loaned pieces from his private collection for this exhibit. Thank you Don Sanders!
And speaking of his private collection, there is one piece that so not Blue Dog but is Blue Dog and I love and I want it. It is inspired by Chihuly and when you visit Rodrigue: Houston, you will find it in the far diagonal corner of the entrance.

Monday, April 20, 2015

I'm not big on casino nights mainly because I don't know how to play roulette or craps. I have some understanding of blackjack so when I attend a casino night I give away my chips, drink, and mingle. And that was the case on Saturday evening at the Outreach United fundraiser. It was a fun time. And you gotta love this Martini glass motif.

Sunday, April 19, 2015

It was a storm of Biblical proportions. OK, maybe it wasn't. However, any storm that causes the rain to blow sideways and sends me through a maze to go nowhere other than back home because the streets are flooded, is a bad storm.

You can't tell it in the 2nd photo, but Richmond Avenue going west is flooded. I saw cars driving in reverse because they were afraid to some high water.

For many years I have admired the work that Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS (BCEFA) does. The reach of their work is nationwide and actually hits not only close to home but home. You see...

As many of you know, I work at Legacy Community Health Services in Houston. Over the years we have been a recipient of grant money from BCEFA. And the money is very much appreciated! However, my affection for this organization started long before I was associated with Legacy.

There is one event that they do that I am going to see before I die! Yes, I want to see it in person and that is Broadway Bares. Dancers from Broadway bare it all for a great cause. I admire anyone who can dance and have the cajones (no pun intended) to strip in front of a room full of people. I guess you have to be a quasi-exhibitionist and have a nice body and be comfortable in your own skin. I applaud them all for doing this and it's all for a good cause!

There is guy that I follow on Instagram and Facebook. He will be in this year's Broadway Bares and he has a one man show coming up at 54 Below on May 16. I need to find out if there is a way to virtually give him money for the stripathon.

I'm very intrigued by this year's theme: Top Bottoms Of Burlesque. Enjoy the clip! AND support BCEFA

Houston's Art Car Parade. I didn't attend. In fact, it's been several years since I've attended. Anywho, this vehicle is parked outside of The Calvinator's Upper Kirby Crib. From what I can tell, it is a salute to the State of Texas and the San Jacinto monument.

Wednesday, April 15, 2015

I'm quite the chameleon. I think part of that is because I have eclectic tastes. I'm a bon vivant.

So where did Sunday night find me? At Neon Boots. I went from a black tie affair on Saturday night to a LGBT pageant on Sunday.

ERSICSS hosted the Lone Star Pageant so Chree, Lynne, Gary, David and I hopped into Chree's chariot and off we went. Well, actually, Lynne met us there and it wasn't a chariot but I'm getting into the minutiae.

Anywho, it was a fun time on Sunday but I was so sleepy on Monday morning.

Thursday was the Houston Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Annual Luncheon & Business Expo. If memory serves me correctly, it was the 22nd annual luncheon. I knew there were over 1,000 people in attendance but I didn't realize that it was actually closer to 1,500. That's a big luncheon!

And you never know who might just drop in. This time it was Texas Governor Greg Abbott.

In this photo are some of my co-workers who worked Legacy's booth in during the expo at the Hilton America's.

Thursday, April 9, 2015

I would have taken a picture of the show while it was on the telly but those normally turn out kind of warped so instead, I captured this photos which summarizes what I did on Tuesday evening.

I nestled in The Calvinator's Crib and watched Real Housewives of New York. This is the only show of the franchise that I watch. At one point I was watching the Atlanta show but I kind of got turned off when the hair pulling started.

To that point you might ask, "Didn't Aviva's leg toss bother you?" and to that I would answer, "No, because she is an attention whore and watching the Countesses reaction made it even better AND she did it at Le Cirque!"

So...I love me some Carole Radziwill and I really appreciate the Countess. Ramona, eh. Sonja, ugh. Heather I like she has street cred. Kristin, eh. Dorinda, I might like (but why does she need a housekeeper for such a small apartment and where does her daughter sleep?. I'm not real thrilled to see the return of Bethenny. How many shows is this girl going to be on? She's like the bad penny that keeps showing up. And seriously, when she was whining about being homeless all I could think of was "Rich People Problems".

There's Team Bethenny and there's Team Jason and I'm on his side. She may have had the concept but who helped her negotiate the contracts? And who was her cheerleader? So yes, the shoe is on the other foot and this time it is the wife who made the millions with the support of the husband. As I like to say, "That knife cuts both ways."

I guess I'll have to wait to see if Bethenny whines for a whole season? And will Sonja try to one-up with her own set of problems. It's going to be a bumpy ride.

Wednesday, April 8, 2015

It's been a few years since I've been to Opening Day for the Astros. So...on Monday, a group attended Opening Day.

Part of our group got stuck in traffic and then we all stuck in line trying to get into Minute Maid Park so we missed the singing of the National Anthem and the first pitch.

By the time we were on the Club Level, I was parched and hungry so I stood in line at El Real waiting for some chicken quesadillas. There was one hitch; they're made to order. Everyone in front of me ordered some type of quesadilla and we all held up the line.

Then I needed a vodka tonic and all I can say is that bar at section 206/207 didn't have their groove going. It was not a well oiled machine. People behind me in line were served before me. People on the stadium side of the bar were served before me. The cash register ran out of receipt tape. I was given ginger ale instead of tonic. OY!

I know it was Opening Day so maybe in a few days, they'll be in the groove. And let's hope the Astros have a groovy season and make it a winning season!

Marcus and Shannon opened up their store on Westheimer for a jewelry show. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of jewelry and from stores sales benefited Legacy Community Health Services.
We're culling through the photos so check back for a link to Legacy's flickr account once the photos have been uploaded.

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